@ClubNeon: I hadn't heard about the toxo issue, but the web links I found after you brought it up were fascinating. In rats, it appears that this parasite changes the behavior of the host so as to further propogate itself. Amazing, mind-blowing stuff.

@CatBrat: that stinks about your brother. Chronic severe mental illness is no joke, I agree.

Hey, on a lighter note (avatar puns are fun), I found your cartoon stash online and thought this one was interesting:

@ClubNeon: I hadn't heard about the toxo issue, but the web links I found after you brought it up were fascinating. In rats, it appears that this parasite changes the behavior of the host so as to further propogate itself. Amazing, mind-blowing stuff.

There are quite a few brain parasites which do that. They excrete various neurochemicals and alter behavior in a way which makes it more likely for them to get passed on. This is probably the freakiest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWB_COSUXMw

Nature is so disturbing. You're making it even harder to leave the house.

I shouldn't bring this up, but... One of the suspected symptoms of human males infected with toxoplasmosis is introvertedness, and agoraphobia. On the other hand, human females become extroverted and sexually promiscuous.

Nature is so disturbing. You're making it even harder to leave the house.

I shouldn't bring this up, but... One of the suspected symptoms of human males infected with toxoplasmosis is introvertedness, and agoraphobia. On the other hand, human females become extroverted and sexually promiscuous.

Hmmm. I clean the litterbox every night, and have for probably 5, 6 years. I'm very introverted, and am generally starting to categorize myself as a misanthrope. Hrm.